Rosalind Ashford Dies at 83 as Tributes Pour in for Martha and the Vandellas Singer
What To Know
- Rosalind Ashford, original member of Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, has died at age 83.
- Ashford’s distinctive soprano contributed to the group’s iconic hits like “Dancing in the Street.”
- Tributes from fans and former bandmate Martha Reeves highlight Ashford’s lasting impact.
Rosalind Ashford, a founding member of the ’60s Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, has died at 83 — and tributes are pouring in for the singer.
On Tuesday, September 15, Ashford died of natural causes in Redford Township, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, the Detroit Free Press reported.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rosalind Ashford,” her former bandmate, Martha Reeves, 85, said in a statement to the newspaper. “Rosalind played an important part in the early days of Martha and the Vandellas. Her voice will forever be with us through our great recordings together, and she will be missed, but never forgotten. Our Motown family has just gotten a little smaller. My heart is heavy.”
On X, fans also posted tributes in the wake of Ashford’s death, with one writing, “Grew up with their sound, they were rocking. God bless her. Motown stax were the best.”
Another X user shared, “Sad to hear. I remember Martha and the Vandellas very well. Rest in peace, Rosalind.”
Someone else echoed, “My condolences to her family and friends. I hope Ms. Reeves is ok. May your memories bring you comfort. RIP.”
Meanwhile, a different fan commented via X, “Martha & The Vandellas was the last Motown group with all original members still alive — but Rosalind has left us. Rosalind sang on all their Top 10 hits, her brassy high harmony a distinct part of their sound. Wish they’d reunited more. Condolences to her loved ones.”
Martha and the Vandellas, whose members included Ashford, Reeves, and Annette Beard, signed with Motown Records in 1962. (Gloria Williams was an original founding member, but she left before the group was signed.)
Ashford, a soprano, was featured on almost two dozen Top 40 singles on Billboard’s R&B chart. Martha and the Vandellas were best known for songs like “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave” and “Jimmy Mack,” among others.
In 1995, Ashford was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the Vandellas; they were the second all-female group to achieve the prestigious honor.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services